It’s been more than 40 years since the first Gay Pride March was held in New York City, and even the most visionary organizers of that protest march — commemorating the first anniversary of the Stonewall raid — could not have ever imagined what that single event would become.

The hugely popular parade heads down Fifth Avenue from 36th Street, and ends in the West Village at Christopher and Greenwich. Seek out these restaurants for brief respites, post-parade toasts or a quick refueling during the festivities.